EASTER RETREAT 2019 BIBLE STUDY 2 EVERY BELIEVER REACHING EVERY CREATURE FOR CHRIST Acts 8:1-4 21-04-2019

INTRODUCTION The death of Stephen came at the beginning a new wave of intense persecution. But God made the dispersion that followed a means to expand the reach of the gospel and save multitudes. What could have destroyed the Church actually moved her forward to further fulfil the Great Commission. Through the persecution, the gospel extended from Jerusalem to Judaea and Samaria, following the pattern of expansion previously outlined by Christ, the Lord and Head of the Church (Acts 1:8). The scattered Christians actually became preachers and witnesses for Christ everywhere they went. Many people repented, believed and got added to the Church.

GREAT PROGRESS DESPITE GREAT PERSECUTION Acts 8:1-3; 9:13,14; 11:22,27-30; 15:1-6; Romans 15:19,25-33 Persecution arose against the Church. Believers were threatened, beaten, and imprisoned (Acts 4:3,21; 5:17-21,40-42). Yet thousands believed and disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly. Believers “were all scattered abroad …” The apostles that remained behind in Jerusalem were not intimidated or frightened to flee. Secular and religious rulers and their agents like Saul of Tarsus did their worst; but they resolved to “preach the gospel to every creature.” QUESTION 1: How should we handle persecution on the mission field? – Matthew 10:23,27-31; Acts 4:23,24,29-31; 20:22-24

GOSPEL PROCLAMATION BY GOD’S PEOPLE Acts 8:4; 11:19-24; Mark 16:15,16,20; John 1:40-49; 4:28-30,39-42 The disciples were all scattered away from Jerusalem, “except the apostles.” They were driven away from their houses, dispossessed of jobs and properties. Yet they did not backslide. Instead, they used this as fuel for preaching (Acts 8:4; 14:1-3; 26:21,22). Persecution should never lead the believer to compromise, fear of man or backsliding. It should always drive us to prayer, consecration, heaven-mindedness and courageous preaching. QUESTION 2: How did the believers in the Early Church respond to persecution – Acts 4:18-20; 8:1,4; 14:5-7

GLORIOUS PATTERN FOR GLOBAL PENETRATION Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50,51; John 14:1-3; Luke 19:10,13 “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” is Christ’s command to all believers, not only to ministers. Personal evangelism is every believer’s duty and responsibility; nothing else, however good and commendable, can be a substitute. Obedience to few commandments is no excuse to disobey others. For example, faithfulness in the church will not excuse unfaithfulness at home, at work, in the society and in the community. Therefore, everywhere you go, you must “preach the gospel to every creature.” QUESTION 3: Why is it compulsory for every believer to preach the gospel? – John 20:21; 14:15; Romans 10:14; Daniel 12:3.

TIME TO PRAY!